Q31 · UPSC Prelims 2017 · Set A · Current Affairs and GK

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Consider the following statements:1.In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue.2.Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A 1 only
B 2 only
C Both 1 and 2
D Neither 1 nor 2

Correct answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation

  1. A

    1 only

    (a) 1 only. Aedes does transmit both Zika and dengue in the tropics, but sexual transmission is also documented, so 1 only is incomplete.

  2. B

    2 only

    (b) 2 only. Sexual transmission is real, yet statement 1 is also true. Not the key.

  3. C

    Both 1 and 2

    (c) Both 1 and 2. Zika is spread by Aedes aegypti (the dengue mosquito) in tropical regions, and sexual transmission is possible. This is the official key.

  4. D

    Neither 1 nor 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2. Both statements are accepted public-health facts. Not the key.

Summary. Official key is (c) both 1 and 2. Zika virus disease in the tropics is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, the same genus (notably A. aegypti) that carries dengue and chikungunya. WHO also recognises sexual transmission and mother-to-foetus spread, with microcephaly as the feared congenital outcome. Neither statement is a trick. Yellow fever mosquito control is the neighbouring vector story.